Description
This funding opportunity is designed to support research in understanding how to engineer intrinsic characteristics of stem cell-derived islet cell products that can result in improved cell replacement therapy outcomes. The goal of this funding opportunity is to engineer the autonomous cell characteristics and behaviors of SC-islets. Examples of areas that need further emphasis/development include but are not limited to: engineering of SC-islets to evade or withstand immune destruction, engineering safety switches within the manufactured cells, improving the composition and spatial arrangement of cells, engineering of the SC-islet cells to positively influence the engraftment process, and engineering of SC-islets to become more resilient.
• The funding opportunity will encourage bioengineering approaches to improve SC-islet transplant outcomes with reduced immune suppression burden.
• The continual improvement in the cell product is also expected to increase the durability, functional competence, and resilience of the transplanted graft.
• Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date.
• Applications that do not comply with the instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.